Skip to content 
Kennedy Mweene’s salary in 2005 was a modest R10,000 per month. A Zambian goalkeeper, fresh in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), earning less than some baristas in Pretoria today. Yet, that was the start of a remarkable journey. Mweene rose to become one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, a PSL legend, and now a coach at Mamelodi Sundowns. His earnings? Likely far higher than his playing days, though exact figures are closely guarded.
This article traces Mweene’s financial path, unpacks PSL salary trends, and shares practical tips for sports professionals aiming to secure their own financial wins.
Kennedy Mweene’s Salary: A Career in Focus
Mweene landed in South Africa with big dreams and a small paycheck. He joined Free State Stars in 2005, diving for saves on that R10,000 monthly wage. Tough times. Long bus rides. Shared apartments. But his talent was undeniable. By 2008, he signed with Mamelodi Sundowns, a club known for its deep pockets. Back then, reports pegged his salary at around R150,000 per month—a massive leap.
Fast forward to his peak as a player. By 2021, estimates suggested Mweene earned R420,000 monthly as a goalkeeper for Sundowns. Not bad for a man who started with a fraction of that. His penalty-saving skills—famously stopping every spot-kick for Zambia after 2008—made him a fan favorite. He wasn’t just a goalkeeper. He was a leader, captaining Zambia to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Now, in 2025, Mweene has hung up his gloves. He’s a goalkeeping coach at Sundowns. Exact figures for his coaching salary are scarce. Clubs like Sundowns don’t spill those details. But industry benchmarks offer clues. Former Sundowns coach Steve Komphela earned R500,000–R600,000 monthly. As a specialized goalkeeping coach, Mweene’s pay likely falls in the R300,000–R500,000 range. Respectable. Earned through decades of grit.
The PSL Salary Landscape
Mamelodi Sundowns is the PSL’s gold standard. Their top player, Lucas Ribeiro, pockets R700,000–R1,000,000 monthly. Goalkeepers like Ronwen Williams earn R500,000. Head coaches? Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns’ current boss, likely pulls in R600,000–R800,000. Assistant and specialized coaches, like Mweene, earn less but still command solid salaries.
Compare that to other PSL clubs. Stellenbosch FC pays coach Steve Barker R400,000 monthly. Kaizer Chiefs’ former coach Molefi Ntseki earned R450,000. The PSL isn’t Europe—Premier League coaches like Pep Guardiola rake in millions annually—but it’s among Africa’s best-paying leagues. For context, Zambia’s top league rarely offers players more than R50,000 monthly. Mweene’s move to South Africa was a financial game-changer.
From Player to Coach: Mweene’s Transition
Mweene’s shift to coaching wasn’t sudden. He planned it. While still playing, he started coaching courses with a Spanish institution. Smart move. By 2023, Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena tapped him to join the technical staff. Mweene stepped up, coaching goalkeepers during a match against Orlando Pirates. His passion? Developing young talent. He’s vocal about the shortage of quality goalkeepers in Zambia and South Africa.
This transition mirrors a broader trend. Many PSL players—Denis Onyango, Themba Zwane—stay in football post-retirement. Coaching offers stability. Playing careers are short. Injuries, form slumps, or younger talent can end them abruptly. Mweene’s foresight—studying while playing—ensured he wasn’t caught off guard.
Pitso Mosimane’s House and Cars: Wealth Lessons
Mweene’s Legacy and Financial Lessons
Kennedy Mweene’s salary tells a story of persistence. From R10,000 to a likely R300,000–R500,000 as a coach, his journey shows what’s possible. He didn’t just rely on talent. He planned. Studied. Adapted. Sports professionals can take note: your career is a business. Treat it like one. Negotiate hard. Save smart. Build skills for the future.
Mweene’s story isn’t just about money. It’s about impact. He’s shaping young goalkeepers, addressing a gap he’s passionate about. That’s the real win. For those chasing their own success, Kennedy Mweene’s salary—and the work behind it—offers a roadmap. Start small. Aim big. Keep evolving.
Get the latest entrepreneurial success stories, expert tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox — Sign up for Entrepreneur Hub SA’s newsletter today!
